There have been many transformations in the society in the last two centuries due to cultural, economic and technological changes. The economic changes that were as a result of the industrial revolution that began in England are one of the primary contributors to the change in the society over the years. In the past, the community resisted change thus making change slow over time. The conservative social and political philosophy, strong family values and cyclical view of history are what characterized the traditional society between 1607-1776.
In addition, they believed that the basis of knowledge and truth lay in human and natural experience. Their morals were defined by the past habits and values, which explains why it took long for them to change. They believed that God was the provider, and the society had to learn the bible and that the way to salvation was by living a graceful life rather than working. Christianity dominated the economic, cultural, political and legal institutions. The community was small with strong kinship ties in the nuclear families. The legal systems defined the corporal punishments that the offenders faced. The restricted geographical mobility made the society slow to change since they did not have adequate chance to explore their environment.
The modern society which lived between 1776-1945 has been able to transform the world politically, economically, socially, and in terms of technology. Their morals are not defined by the past habits but reason and logic. The secular and materialistic modern society has a scientific mentality that explains the reason why there are many developments in technology and an improvement in production. Their Christian values differ from those held by the traditional society since they question the biblical literalism. God’s role in the society is limited in relation to wars and issues of human suffering. The society views the bible as a set of narratives that are important in shaping human morals. The marital problems in the modern world have made divorce a standard solution with hierarchical and patriarchal society under threat. Although the modern society does not have clear set of classes, there is more social and geographical mobility with the government having great influence on the society.
The post-modern society that lives between 1945 to present is characterized by rapid institutional and technological changes leading to uncertainty, doubt, and morality issues. The culture was influenced mostly by the technological advancements introduced during the Second World War and the confusion that was there after the war (Kumar 5). Unlike the modern society where there is a clear definition of right and wrong, the post-modern society does not differentiate right from wrong. Secularism and atheism are accepted as religious alternatives since everyone does what is best for them and not what is best for the society. The Christian rituals and liturgy are less significant to this society where secularism is dominant in lifestyle and morality. The religious leaders have limited authority since the society challenges their legitimacy ad authority. The traditional nuclear family is almost non-existent in the post-modern society, with gay marriages gaining popularity in many parts of the world. There is reproductive liberty in the society that allows one to decide whether to give birth or have an abortion. There is also the issue of sexual and gender equality.
The transition of the societies from the traditional to post-modern societies is mainly attributed to the intellectual revolution that occurred in Europe. People changed their perspective on religion, culture, politics and the government.
Reasons why war dominates human affairs.
There have been a series of wars in the world ranging from the First World War to the war on terror. There are various reasons why the world went into war in 1914 among them competition among the great powers that included France, Germany, England and Austria-Hungary. The nations competed for territories, military power, imperial power, and wealth. Technological advancements in weapons and misguided patriotism led to the war that lasted from 1914 to 1918 (Masters 6). There were two competing alliances, the Triple Entente that comprised of France, Britain, and Russia and the Central Powers comprising of Austria-Hungary and Germany. The war brought about development in military technology such as chemical weapons like chlorine. The United States did not take active role in the war at first, but it joined in after the realization that Germany was committing atrocities against other countries. The Versailles treaty that came into operation in 1919 dismantled the Triple Entente and the Central Powers.
During the world war between 1939 to 1945, the United States declared neutrality to German’s intention to expand its territories in Europe and concentrated more on reviving the economy. However, when Japan invaded Indochina, the united states put pressure on the country to back off if they wanted to continue having good trade relations, but they did not back off. The United States was not much involved in the war but helped the nations that fought against Germany, Italy, and Japan. The leaders of countries that are at war try to come up with measures that help them politically. The cold war involved china, North Korea, Israel, India, Pakistan and the US and USSR. The third world countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America were also involved in war.
Conclusively, the various changes in individual perceptions, cultural, religious and technology have led to a shift in the society. The gradual change has resulted in leaders’ aggressiveness in controlling wealth, expanding their territories and becoming military superiors.
Works Cited
Dr. Lawson.World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the War on Terror
Kumar, Krishan. From Post-Industrial to Post-Modern Society: New Theories of the Contemporary World. Cambridge: Blackwell Publishers, 1995. Print.
Lawson Russell M. Transitions toward a Modern World
Masters, Nancy R. Fighter Planes of World War Ii. Mankato: Capstone Books, 1998. Print
